FARRELL, PA. Brookfield cops hail police clerk

Phyllis Townsend, a police clerk and secretary for the Southwest Mercer County Regional Police Department in Farrell, drew some recent praise from a neighboring police department.
Police Chief Dan Faustino and Detective Pete Gibb, both of the Brookfield Township police department, sent Southwest a letter praising Townsend's assistance in arranging several photo lineups for a robbery they were investigating.
"Ms. Townsend, while still answering phones and dealing with Southwest Regional Police business, quickly and efficiently prepared the items needed," the letter said. It also noted that her assistance has been invaluable in other cases because of her vast knowledge of people living in or frequenting the Farrell area.
The Southwest Mercer County Regional Police Commission didn't let the letter pass unnoticed. It voted last week to give Townsend a departmental service award for her efforts.
Road test sign-up online
Scheduling a driver's-license test with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation can now be done online.
State Rep. Rod Wilt of Greenville, R-17th, said individuals can schedule the road-test portion of most noncommercial, commercial and motorcycle driver's tests and certain written tests over the Internet.
Callers must know their driver's license number, birth date and the last four digits of their Social Security number to make the appointment. To use the Web site, visit the PA PowerPort at www.state.pa.us, PA Keyword: Driver Test. Those without Internet access can schedule tests by calling (800) 423-5542.
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The 2003 Mid-Atlantic Golf Privilege Club card from the American Lung Association of Pennsylvania, featuring 170 golf courses and 20 driving ranges, is available for $15.
The program offers golfing opportunities throughout Pennsylvania and at courses in Maryland, Delaware and the District of Columbia. For more information, call the American Lung Association at (724) 933-6180.
A new report can help older Pennsylvanians choose a Medicare managed-care plan, said state Rep. Chris Sainato of New Castle, D-9th.
"Choosing a Medicare Managed Plan -- A Guide for Medicare Beneficiaries" lists Medicare managed-care plans by region, giving comparisons on monthly premiums and co-payments, quality measurements, descriptions of the benefits offered and results of patient-satisfaction surveys.
The free report is available by calling (717) 232-6787 or the Pennsylvania Department of Aging at (717) 783-1550.
XCONTRIBUTORS: Harold Gwin, Vindicator Sharon Bureau, and Laure Cioffi, New Castle Bureau.